Our Instructors
Lucas Crawford
Lucas Crawford was born and raised in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and moved to the US when he was 17 years old. He has a wife, who trains jiu jitsu and a young son. He was first introduced to Jiu jitsu in 2010, but wasn't until 2015 that he took on jiu jitsu as a full time activity. Lucas found his passion and drive in Jiu Jitsu as it challenges him mentally and physically. Lucas and his family moved to las vegas in 2021 where he received his Brown belt from Roberto Jimenez. Lucas then moved back to Marin,CA and continued to train under Woolf Barnato and Danny Speirn at black sheep jiu jitsu in Fairfax, CA. Lucas is an avid competitor, competing through all his belts and winning titles such as IBJJF Pans, PANS No Gi, American Nationals and Europeans. In 2022 Lucas received his Black belt under Woolf Barnato and Danny Speirn and has now opened this school to allow others to find their passion in Jiu Jitsu.
Kelani Crawford
Kelani Crawford, Wife of Lucas Crawford found Jiu Jitsu after a series of hard life situations. Kelani took to the art in 2016 as she felt that it helped channel her thoughts, feelings and emotions into a positive outlook. Jiu Jitsu has empowered Kelani to be more self aware, confident, and grounded and she has built a incredible female community of support. Kelani was a blue belt under Jean Jaques Machado and Jay Zeballos and recently was promoted to purple belt by Woolf Barnato and Danny Speirn. Kelani will be assisting the other instructors with all classes and will be leading a all womens class in 2024.
Cole Franson
Cole Franson is a jiu jitsu black belt under Maurico Mariano in 2018. Franson built his reputation as one of America’s rising BJJ athletes while competing in the lower belt divisions of the sport, a time when Cole conquered important titles in the IBJJF Pan American Championship, the UAEJJF Continental Pro tournament, and the SJJF World Championships. Cole is teaching our No Gi adult program for all levels.
Bruce Suzuki
Bruce Suzuki was introduced to jiu jitsu in 2009, while taking up the sport to stay in shape., he quickly fell in love with the gentle art, and have since dedicated his time and energy toward training and improving. Bruce has two children who train and it has became a very rewarding family activity. Jiu jitsu has been a positive and rewarding experience for Bruce and his family, that he now gets to share it with everyone here at the academy as he teaches three nights a week and Saturday class. In 2022 Bruce received his Black belt from Renan Silva/Ralph Gracie. He would love to have the privilege and opportunity, to be a part of your jiu jitsu journey.